‘The third joint meeting of our Governments testifies to the very active and close strategic partnership between Lithuania and Poland, which we are ready to step up’, said the Prime Minister of Lithuania, adding that it is special this year in a way that most attention is given to Ukraine, which remains in the minds and hearts of all the people.
After the tête-à-tête with the Polish Prime Minister, the Head of the Lithuanian Government has noted that the wounds of the Soviet occupation are still alive in the memory of Lithuanians and Poles, so it is not surprising that our countries are among the most active supporters of Ukraine. As Ukraine liberates settlements, new mass graves and new evidence of war crimes are discovered.
‘Today, Ukraine is also defending the freedom of Europe, protecting Europe against such destruction and crimes witnessed in Mariupol, Bucha, Izyum and many other Ukrainian cities. Therefore, we have no right to get tired of helping Ukraine. The only sustainable way to peace in Europe is a complete victory for Ukraine’, said I. Šimonytė.
The Prime Ministers of Lithuania and Poland have discussed the need of stepping up support by democratic countries to Ukraine, rebuilding Ukraine, and strengthening sanctions against Russia.
According to the Prime Minister, Europe must maintain a clear moral stance and focus, which is key in ensuring that Russia’s attempts to divide Europe and weaponize energy fail.
‘Today, we have discussed with the Polish Prime Minister about European solutions that would help reduce prices of energy resources so as to better prepare for the winter season. We are looking for the best solutions, both at the national and European level, which would help people and industries’, said the Prime Minister.
The Lithuanian and Polish counterparts have discussed the strengthening of NATO’s deterrence and defence policy and the strengthening of the security of the entire region, including the Suwalki corridor.
During the joint meeting of the Governments, scheduled at 11:10 a.m., the Prime Ministers will sign the declaration on cooperation between the countries.
Participating ministers: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Environment Simonas Gentvilas, Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys, Minister of Finance Gintarė Skaistė, Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys, Minister of Social Security and Labour Monika Navickienė, Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis, Minister of Health Arūnas Dulkys, Minister of Education, Science and Sports Jurgita Šiugždinienė, Minister of Justice Ewelina Dobrowolska, Minister of Internal Affairs Agnė Bilotaitė.
The first meeting of the Governments of Lithuania and Poland took place on 17 September 2020 in Vilnius.
